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December 10, 2008 is International Human Rights Day, and in support of my friends and family on the LGBT spectrum, I'll be "calling in gay" on December 10th, and instead donating my time to service.

Information on this project can be found here, but it's essentially an effort to mobilize the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community and their allies in a positive way by using International Human Rights Day to show love through volunteerism. Any time is a good time for volunteerism, but to do so in support of my friends and family who are daily discriminated against because of who they are is a Very Good Thing.

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comments:

I'm actually on the fence about this. I understand the reasoning behind it, but a Toronto blogger whom I read frequently offers some compelling arguments against it. This is a guy who's been with gay activism for a long time, so he's pretty much seen it all.

Janiece, I think I'd rather have something at work to show that I support marriage equality. I've been wearing my white marriage equality bracelet and my "Vote Down 8" button on my purse pretty much nonstop. I just have to think of something else that won't get me in trouble (as I do work for a government entity) but would make the desired statement. I'll have to ponder that.

Luckily, everyone in my area knows I'm into politics (my first election day here I brought in donut holes with a sign that said, "Vote Today!") and social issues, so I don't think anyone would be all that surprised.

Janiece and (of course, the lovely) Carol Elaine, thanks for discussing my post over at This.That.NoOther.. Indeed, you're both powerful allies and I'm not sure that my suggestion that the most effective way for lesbigay people to fight discrimination and bigotry is to come out really conflicts with either of your suggestions to "call in gay (supporter)" or to have some sort of diorama in your workspace depicting the history of gay and lesbian oppression (heh).

The common thread in all of these options is visibility, and since each one of the approaches increases familiarity with lesbigay folk (and their friends (and families)) and thus simultaneously reduces irrational fears about us, how could I say one is better than the other?

Ultimately, I think the downfall of so many social action groups is quibbling about crafting the most perfect approach. I'm for a more kitchen-sink, all-ideas-entertained appeal. It's grass-rootsier and its funner and, hopefully, will hit home in a more personal way.

Thanks for stopping by and giving us your perspective. From my point of view, any activity that opens the door for additional conversation and understanding is a Good Thing, so I understand what you're saying.

From my perspective, it's unrealistic for the LGBT community to believe they will achieve equal rights in this country without support and help from allies. There simply isn't enough of you, and the issue isn't about sexual identity in any case - it's about equality for all humans.

So a program that encourages straight friends and family members to stand up for equal rights is right on target.

About Me

I am a Hot Chick living in Castle Rock, CO with my fabulous family. We have a rescue dog named "Jackson," and she's a Basenji/Shepherd mix. She's something of a head case, but we love her. I'm a U.S. Navy vet, and I currently work as an Enterprise Solutions Architect, specializing in VoIP and multimedia contact center design. I care about social justice, libraries, science, the U.S. Constitution and the military. I'm a tax and spend liberal in a largely red county, but I try not to be stabby about it. I have a little resale side business called "Alastrina Enterprises." Stupidity, cupidity and wanton assholery piss me off, and I'm more than a little soft when it comes to dogs and those who serve others. I blog about whatever I feel like. I use foul language, so if that sort of thing offends you, feel free to fuck off now - if I'm unwilling to clean up my language for my fabulous Great Auntie Margie, I'm unlikely to do so for you. Newcomers are welcome here, especially those who disagree with me, but trolling and spamming will be met with the Shovel of Doom™.